BELGRADE, Serbia -- Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic was included on Serbia's 16-man preliminary roster for the upcoming Paris Olympics on Monday, quieting doubts he would skip the basketball tournament.
The three-time NBA MVP has missed some important international tournaments in the past, citing long NBA seasons.
But Jokic's season ended earlier than expected after the reigning champion Nuggets were eliminated in the second round of playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. He spent the past few weeks rafting with friends and his brothers.
Jokic last played for Serbia's national team in the EuroBasket tournament in 2022. He helped Serbia earn silver at the 2016 Olympics.
Also on the list announced by Serbia coach Svetislav Pesic are Charlotte Hornets guard Vasilije Micic, Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic, Atlanta Hawks sharpshooter Bogdan Bogdanovic and Hornets forward Aleksej Pokusevski.
Serbia will play its opening game in the Olympic tournament July 28 against the United States.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.